Scottish government reveals plan to support people to return home after leaving hospital

“We cannot allow people to spend longer in hospital than they need to, or to stay far from home just because they have more intensive support needs.

“We are beginning to see progress. The latest data shows that fewer people are delayed in hospital or placed in care settings far from home – but there is more to do.

“I thank Dr Anne MacDonald and partners for their commitment. Real change is delivered locally, and this action plan, alongside additional investment, provides a strong framework for that.”

Dr MacDonald, chair of the Coming Home Short Life Working Group, said: “I’d like to thank colleagues across the sector for all their input to developing this action plan, which we hope will make a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and complex support needs.

“The action plan is focused on changes that will support people to live well in their local communities, to have choice and control about where they live, and to have their human rights upheld.”

Paul Kelly, spokesperson for health and social care for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), said the body recognised the importance of the plan, and that no one spent any more time away from home than was absolutely necessary.

He added: “COSLA remains fully committed to delivering the Coming Home Action Plan and to improving outcomes for the individuals and families we all serve.

“We have worked closely with the Scottish government, local government, integration authorities, the NHS and third-sector partners to develop the action plan and set out how we will jointly address these longstanding issues.

“We now need to maintain that drive and collective focus as we move into delivery. Sustained, additional investment across the whole system will be crucial to ensuring that people with learning disabilities and complex needs can return home as quickly as possible.”

Housing Options Scotland, a charity, supports the plans and has developed a guide to help health and social care partnerships across Scotland to make this commitment a reality. The guide aims to help local authorities uphold the principles of the Coming Home agenda by ensuring that every client and their families are well-informed, actively involved in decision-making, and supported to make the housing choice that’s right for them.

Moira Bayne, chief executive of Housing Options Scotland, chaired the housing sub-group formed as part of the Coming Home Action Plan. She said: “We are proud to be part of a national commitment to the individual’s right to live independently, in a place you call home.”